Burgers and Wine at Zinburger

Tucked into the corner of the bustling Lenox shopping center, Zinburger offers a mouth-watering selection of gourmet burgers, unique sides and decadent desserts inside of a high-energy and modern setting. It’s no secret that I love a good burger and the massive selection of fresh ingredients, quality meats and unique toppings at Zinburger was ultra-satisfying and utterly delicious. And I should know because by the end of the evening I had tasted just about everything on the menu!

Red Zinfandel Sangria

Cheers to VIP

I recently had the opportunity to join several members of the Atlanta Food Bloggers Society for a menu tasting with Zinburger’s executive chefs. Our VIP table was greeted with some of the tastiest homemade Sangria, besides my own of course, made with red Zinfandel, triple sec, freshly squeezed lime and raspberry flavors. In addition to turning out juicy burgers and creamy shakes, Zinburger features a full bar with hand-crafted cocktails, a great selection of wines by the glass and craft brews on tap.

Fresh Garden Salads

Mean Greens

We first got to sample two of the many garden fresh salads on the menu. Let’s be honest, I would never order a salad at a burger joint because I like to cut to the chase and get on with my meat! These salads were delicious, though, because you know I’ll eat anything topped with goat cheese, and paired fabulously with the refreshingly crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc that accompanied them. The Napa salad, which is available in two convenient sizes, was topped with dried fruit, Marcona almonds, tangy goat cheese and even tangier goat cheese vinaigrette. The second salad, the Chinese Chicken with Napa cabbage, orange slices, carrots, red peppers, wonton chips and Sesame seeds and Asian vinaigrette, was a little too hearty for me considering all the deliciousness that was yet to come. I was totally saving room for the good stuff!

Crispy Onion Rings with Sweet BBQ Sauce

Side of Satisfaction

The sides and appetizers are perfectly sized for sharing, not that you would want to! The crispy Zucchini fries with creamy parmesan ranch sauce were absolutely incredible. I could not get enough of the melange of textures and flavors. Seriously, zucchini? I had no idea it could be this incredible! And the onion rings are totally irresistible with or without the sweet and sour barbecue sauce that was good enough to drink. I wasn’t totally wowed by the sweet potato fries which are always my go-to burger side (unless duck fat fries is on the menu of course) but it’s possible that my taste buds were completely overwhelmed at the sheer selection of tastiness on the table.

Burger Zen at Zinburger

The Main Event

When the platters of burgers started coming out, I about fell out of my chair, quite literally because I had eaten so many onion rings that I didn’t know where I was going to put these juicy burgers! The first one was the Seared Ahi Tuna topped with avocado, coleslaw and Tamari mayonnaise. Shame on me because I didn’t even try it but my husband, Steve, said it was some of the best tuna steak that he’s had in a while. Let’s be honest here, I came for the burgers, and the deliciously lush glass of red wine that would undoubtedly pair beautifully with every one of them. And come they did, one adorable snack-sized burger after another. Their mouth-watering burgers are made with hand-crafted fresh Angus beef, but you can upgrade to American-style Kobe beef for a reasonable fee.

American Kobe Beef Burger

Burger Zen

I started with the signature Zinburger, which comes smothered in nutty Manchego cheese and Zinfandel braised sweet onions. I could’ve happily walked away at this point and I would totally order the full size version of this next time a la Kobe. But we were only getting started. The next two creations were equally inspired and delicious. El Diablo was just that- a little devil disguised with fire roasted jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, braised onions and chipotle mayonnaise. The Blanco Burger came topped with more peper jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and chipotle mayonnaise. And finally, the might Kobe appeared at the table smothered with cheddar cheese and wild mushrooms. Not exactly my choice of toppings for such an illustrious burger but the meat was divine. I, of course, would have gone for goat cheese, braised onions and crispy onion rings (can you tell that Steve hates onions and I am totally deprived at home?!) and one of those savory sauces. But then again, they have a massive list of possibilities to create your own favorite burger so next time I’ll do just that!

Decadent Desserts and Shakes

Bittersweet Endings

Following the burger over-indulgence, I excused myself to wash my hands thinking it was time to bid adieu to burger heaven. Holy shakes! I can’t remember the last time I had a milkshake, I mean it’s just not worth the calories on something so completely un-buzzworthy. Yet I could not stop myself because the Cookies & Cream was pure bliss. I guess Oreo cookies still bring out the kid in me and this shake was bursting with them. The Butterfinger shake was dreamy too but it also put me over the top. I couldn’t even bare to look at the fresh Banana Cream Pie and Rich Chocolate Cream that came next, chocolate cookie crust and all. Steve all but had to wheel me out of there. But I’ll be back for more!

Zinburger’s Executive Chefs

The Fine Print

Our never-ending meal of burgers, sides and shakes was complimentary for us and other members of the Atlanta Food Bloggers Society, but the opinions expressed herein are honest and unsolicited.